Koo Kien Keat off to good start at New Zealand Badminton Open

The SkyCity New Zealand Badminton Open 2014 is taking place in New Zealand at North Shore Events Centre, Auckland on Tuesday.

Many well-known and world class players will take part in the event such as former world number 1 doubles player Koo Kien Keat (Malaysia) teaming up with compatriot Ng Hui Lin in mixed doubles and with Thai player Vilailak Pakkawat as 5th seeds in the men’s doubles.

Another sensation to watch in New Zealand Badminton Open is the former world number 1 Le Hyun Il (Korea) in the men’s singles.

Koo Kien Keat first international appearance after he resigned from the Malaysia national squad was a successful one. He didn’t face any tough resistance from his opponents in both mixed doubles and men’s doubles on the opening day of New Zealand Badminton Open.

The former world number one ranked Men’s Doubles player made it to the mixed doubles second round easily with partner Ng Hui Lin (who are also from Malaysia) in straight set games over Joe Wu (NZL) and Chiang Pei Hsin (TPE), 21-16 21-15.

“I haven’t competed in international tournaments for few months; I am still trying to get use to the environment, and the pace of the tournament. This is my only first match, as the tournament progress, I believe I will continue to get better,” Kien Keat said.

When asked about his biggest threats in the tournament, Koo Kien Keat said: “I don’t want to comment about other players, for now, I am just going to play my game. I just joined a new club in Thailand, I would like to win the championship and bring good reputation for the club in the world of badminton.”

Kien Keat and Hui Lin will play top seed Oliver and Susannah Leydon-Davis from New Zealand tomorrow.